Young called 'future of nation'

President Xi Jinping visits the Junior Police Call Permanent Activity Center and International Training Camp in Hong Kong on Friday. Provided to China Daily

President praises police group for helping to guide the SAR's youth

President Xi Jinping called on the students and young people in Hong Kong to be prepared to make more contributions to the special administrative region as well as the country, as he visited a training center for a police youth group on Friday.

"The youngsters are the future of the nation," Xi told the students at a training camp for the Junior Police Call.

Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of young people, Xi encouraged them to seize opportunities, choose the right path in their lives, serve society and contribute more to Hong Kong and the country.

The Junior Police Call, a nonprofit organization established in 1974, organizes physical training, volunteer activities and police station tours for youths. More than 1 million young people have been trained by the JPC since its establishment. It has an important role in justice and patriotism education for the youth of Hong Kong.

The president was briefed by JPC members on the aims of the group's programs, its facilities and its training activities. He also watched physical training sessions and talked with JPC members.

After hearing about training projects, Xi said that all the activities at the JPC camp are "sunny" programs that can build youngsters' bodies and minds.

"The young people should strengthen their bodies through joining such activities. You will have a good appetite after going home, and you will grow faster," he told the trainees.

By attending such training programs, young people also acquire more knowledge about laws, and it helps them act in accordance with the law, Xi said.

The JPC's membership has expanded rapidly over the years, and it now has over 180,000 members.

Its objectives include improving communication between the police and youth, fostering a police-youth partnership in the fight against crime, and developing young people's sense of responsibility toward society.

Xi praised the efforts of the 30,000 police officers of Hong Kong to safeguard the region's safety and social order. The prosperity and stability of Hong Kong are closely related to the diligent work of the police forces, he said.

It's a visionary move for Hong Kong police to be engaged in the training of youngsters, Xi said.

Also on Friday, Xi's wife, Peng Liyuan, visited an elderly care center, where she spoke with seniors about their daily lives.

Peng joined the residents in making handicrafts at the center, and wished them a happy and healthy life.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn